BLACKBURN Museum and Art Gallery has re-opened following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions

It closed its doors at the beginning of November.

To mark the reopening the gallery has mounted a series of exhibitions including one of its famous collection of watercolours by celebrated British impressionist painter JMW Turner which runs until September 18.

Pre-booking is not necessary to visit, but to aid social distancing and reduce contact there will be limits to the number of people in the museum and art gallery at any one time.

There will be enhanced cleaning, cleaning stations with hand sanitiser, perspex screens have been installed and all staff fully-trained in new procedures and guidance.

It is mandatory for visitors to wear a mask/face cover and they will be required to leave test and trace contact details.

There are also exhibitions of Craig Easton ‘Banktop’ photography and 20th Century art while the museum's Egyptian Room has been refurbished.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s culture boss Cllr Damian Talbot said: “It’s wonderful that we’ll be able to enjoy the museum and art gallery again, after such a difficult year enduring the pandemic.

"The team have worked hard to make visiting as safe for everyone as possible.”

Entry to the art gallery and museum is free.